Dog-e-Dog’s 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume and Trick Contest proved to be yet another doggone success. The event took place this past Saturday at McCarren Park. Owners from all across Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan came in droves with their pooches in tow, ready to show judges their most creative pet costumes and training chutzpah.Â
This year’s Howl-O-Ween happened to fall on the same day as Tompkin Square Park’s Halloween Dog Parade. Nevertheless, Eric Arnstein, Howl-O-Ween’s organizer and Dog-E-Dog’s founder, was quick to note that participant numbers had increased from 48 to 55 – a testament to the event’s residual popularity.
A panel of three judges were asked to score dogs’ outfits and corresponding tricks based off criteria such as costume construction, level of DIY involvement, cohesiveness and overall personality. At first there appeared to be no clear-cut headliners. Some owners drew inspiration from topical subjects (French Bulldog Miley Cyrus and her companion Terry Richardson!) Others played off their dog’s looks by dressing them in direct contrast (Anarchist Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!)
After much growling and deliberation, the final winners were announced. Best Trick was presented to Fig and owner Mimi Flow, both of whom were dressed like pumpkins. Best in Show was given to Winston and owner Laura Stewart. Winston was dressed as a Civil War General and the smitten judges claimed that if he had been around, “no war would have been fought because he was just too darn cute.” Crowd Pleaser was granted to Domino and owner Ruby Rivera. Domino donned a puffy astronaut suit straight out of Gravity and was complimented by Ruby’s full-body alien getup.
Aside from the costume and trick contest main attraction, attendees also had the opportunity to enter a raffle made possible by generous sponsor donations from Waggo, Lucky Dog, Greenpoint Veterinary Hospital, PS9 Pet Supply and Empire of the dog.
No matter the outcome, everyone walked away with their tails wagging, happy to have had the chance to celebrate Halloween with their furry compadres.
Photos by Diana Kuan.
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